Barcelona’s recent run of results have exposed the club’s weaknesses, including their lack of a proper alternative for the midfield core of Pedri, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo.
Although Barcelona have solid depth in Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, neither of the two players are hundred percent at the moment. As a result, they have struggled to integrate them into Hansi Flick’s plans.
This serves as a reminder for Barcelona that the club must shore up their ranks in the midfield unit, especially with De Jong staring at an uncertain future.
Hansi Flick ‘in love’ with Tijjani Reijnders
While Barcelona should have no shortage of midfielders in the transfer market, one player, in particular, appears to have caught the eye of Hansi Flick.
According to Fichajes, the German tactician is ‘in love’ with Tijjani Reijnders, who has emerged as one of the top priorities for the Barcelona coach.
Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as Flick’s priority target in midfield (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Reijnders has been linked with a move to Barcelona in the last few weeks, especially after insecurity rose over his long-term future at AC Milan.
Although subsequent reports did point at a potential renewal, it appears Barcelona are not going to lose hope easily and will pursue the player seriously in the coming future.
Reijnders’ ability to link defence and attack has made him a personal favourite of Flick, who is determined to have the Dutchman at his disposal next season.
However, given Reijnders’ brilliant performances in Serie A, Milan will be well aware of the interest that the player is going to generate and could thus demand a hefty figure for his services next summer.
Whether or not the Barcelona board backs Flick by breaking the bank for Reijnders next summer remains to be seen.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.